Metso has been awarded a contract to supply crushing and material-handling equipment for the first stage of the El Teniente expansion project.

The expansion project, called El Teniente New Mine Level, is expected to add 50 years to the life of the mine; the start-up of the first stage is in 2023.

Once completed, the full expansion will allow El Teniente to maintain its current output of approximately 450,000 tonnes of refined copper per year.

Metso's delivery will include primary gyratory crushing equipment with apron feeders and conveyor belts, as well as related services. Most of the equipment deliveries to El Teniente are scheduled for 2021, while services will be carried out between 2022 and 2023.

Victor Tapia, president of the Mining Equipment business area at Metso, said: "Metso in Chile and Codelco have a long history of cooperation. This order confirms once again our expertise and our position as a leading equipment supplier for underground mining and as a key equipment a supplier for Codelco.

"Going forward, we'll focus on providing El Teniente with a high level of performance, reliability and best-in-class support service throughout the project life cycle."